Active and Passive Voice

Refreshers Subject: Noun performing an action in a

sentence Direct Object: Noun receiving the action in a

sentence Verb: Word that expresses action, state, or

relationship

My dad ate the last piece of pie.

Definitions Active Voice

When the subject performs the action of the verb and the direct object is the goal or the recipient

The mechanic fixed the car Passive Voice

When the order of the sentence is changed. The object or goal takes the subject position. The verb is changed to past tense and a to be verb is added. The subject is added to the end with a “by” phrase.

The car was fixed by the mechanic

Example

Someone stole my bicycle.

My bicycle was stolen by someone.

Subject

Direct Object

Verb

Verb (with helping verb)

Direct Object

Subject

Why Is Active Voice Better? Sentences make more sense Writing is less wordy

EXAMPLES: The captives frequently tried to escape. Escape attempts were often made by the captives.

When Passive Voice Works To focus on the person or object receiving the

action If the performer of the action is unknown or

unimportant When the performer is already known, and

naming them would add wordiness

EXAMPLE:Mel Gibson was arrested by the LAPD today.

Which Is Which? Many professional athletes overcame physical

disabilities. Physical disabilities have been overcome by many

professional athletes.

Proof of the planet’s existence was sought by astronomers for years.

For years, astronomers sought proof of the planet’s existence.

I require a full briefing on the nature of the damage. A full briefing on the nature of the damage is

required by me.

A

P

A

P

P

A

Which Is Which? The exact placement of the boundary is

disputed by both countries. Both countries dispute the exact places of the

boundary.

Icebergs hindered the vessel’s southward progress.

The southward progress of the vessel was hindered by the icebergs.

P

A

A

P

Let’s Practice Directions: Change the sentences below

to the active voice.1. The statue is being visited by hundreds of tourists

every year. 2. My books were stolen by someone yesterday. 3. These books had been left in the classroom by a

careless student. 4. Coffee is raised in many parts of Hawaii by

plantation workers. 5. The house had been broken into by someone

while the owners were on vacation.

Let’s Practice Directions: Change the sentences below to

the passive voice.1. Children cannot open these bottles easily. 2. The government built a road right outside her front

door. 3. Mr. Ross broke the antique vase as he walked

through the store. 4. When she arrived, the changes amazed her. 5. The construction workers are making street repairs

all month long.